This picture has become a memory, instead of like she still belongs here, and should be here with us. I look at it over and over hoping it will make me feel like she is still with us at Thanksgiving.
Mama made the best dressing and giblet gravy. She would stand over a hot stove work up a sweat. I remember taking a cool, wet paper towel and wiping her face and neck when she cooked.
Mama spoiled her daughters. If she knew I had a headache, she’d make me sit down in front of her and she would massage my head and neck.
Mama was my biggest fan. She would listen to me sing and I loved when she’d sing along. Mama had a voice like an angel.
She read everything I wrote, from songs, and poetry and all of my articles for my job. She always made me feel wanted. She craved spending time with me and I’m so glad I gave it.
Mama was a best friend to me.
When we’d watch the Waltons or her Lifetime movies together, we’d giggle like school girls.
I was so blessed to include her in my work.
When I wrote satirical food reviews posing as a sassy old lady named Willie Mae, and Mama was my sidekick, “Lois.”
We’d go into a restaurant and I’d take notes on the food, service, and things that were said. The stories always come out funny because Mama was funny. Everything I wrote was always the truth except for our characters. I fudged on things about myself so my readers believed I was an 80-year-old. But our stories were always a hoot, and it was real life.
I remember my Bible-believing Mama and how strong her faith was. Everything out of her mouth was about the Lord.
She’d quote scripture and give me biblical advice. She was a mighty prayer warrior. I probably owe my happiness to her from all the prayers she lifted up for me.
Her eyes sparkled when she was around her girls. I think we were the most important thing to her, and she showed us.
Our Mama was always there for us, and then it was our turn to be there for her.
To have even one more year with her would have been wonderful, but I’d never rob her of the joy she has right now.
What she has right now is what she lived for. She’d always talk of Glory. I used to think that was so far away. But she’s there. And I feel closer to Glory. Now, I understand.
After her Mama died, I think she realized what was important in life and she enjoyed it. Her eyes were set on the Kingdom as mine are now. Thank you, Mama, for showing me the way.
It’s been six years since I’ve kissed her face. It feels longer.
Today, tomorrow, and every day, I’m thankful for Mama’s Love.